Tabi

ARTICLES ON TRAVEL

Ryokō kokoroe no koto

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELLING

Remember that not only samurai but also lower people travel. In times of peace you may venture thirty, fifty or even one hundred ri out of your own area and there are things that should be kept in mind. When travelling, no matter if a person is of noble or of humble origins, there are many things that cannot be done in the way one would prefer them to be done. However, as a person who serves a lord, when you stay in Edo⁸⁹ accompanying your lord, there are set customs and schedules for travel which are decided beforehand. This is also a form of travel but is different from the previously mentioned form. The points mentioned hereafter relate to personal travel.

Ryokō kingin motsu beki koto

CARRY ENOUGH GOLD AND SILVER WHEN TRAVELLING

When travelling, teachings say that even if it is only two or three days of travel, make sure to take ample gold and silver. If venturing out on only two or three days of travel then keep as much as ten days’ worth of travel expenses, as a situation may arise for which you need more gold and silver than expected. Sometimes, greedy scum may rob you of gold and silver and therefore you need to know how to handle your money. Various evil strategies are used to trick travellers – never lower your guard. If those who study at our school become trapped in such schemes then it is classed as a serious blunder. Therefore, it is not proper to forget the advice for travel contained within our writings, such as the Shinobi no Maki as well as others – be aware of the issues involved.

Ryokō daishō kokoroe no koto

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT LONG AND SHORT SWORDS WHILE TRAVELLING

When travelling, make sure that you take with you the uwa-obi outer sash and the shita-obi loincloth, spare clothes and so on, and use both a scabbard cover and a hilt cover⁹⁰ on your katana and wakizashi. This is not only to protect them from damage but also has other benefits. Concerning the hilt cover, there is a better way to secure it to the hilt which prevents water from running down the opening in rainy weather. If you have killed someone and your katana has been bent and you cannot straighten it nor return it to the scabbard, then you cannot withdraw from the situation with a naked blade in hand and it cannot be thrown away. If this is the case, then split the scabbard open and place the scabbard cover over it, so that it will not attract people’s attention. Hilt covers do not help you in an emergency but if an emergency arises you can fight with them on and without much difficulty. Soft leather should be used for both scabbard and hilt covers.

Takoku no hōrei kikubeki koto

RESPECTING LAWS IN OTHER PROVINCES

When you are in another province or within lands under ownership, enquire about the laws of that province. Since ancient times it has been said, ‘When in

another province follow the ways of that province.’ When you enter a province, never say that your own district’s laws are different or act on the assumption that this province’s laws will be the same as yours. The rule that rests over the whole land is that you should not transgress against the laws of other regions.

Ryoshuku kikiokubeki koto

THINGS TO ASK ABOUT WHEN STAYING AT AN INN

When staying for one or two nights, or especially for an extended period, it is best to ascertain information on the place, the head of the village, local governors, magistrates and district-chiefs. Also make sure to enquire in detail about the clans and houses, famous places and the righteous and unrighteous ways of the locals. In addition to this, find out who are the masters of each house and lodgings, the names of areas in the town, the number of houses and so on. Do this when you arrive because if an emergency arises then the locals will not disclose the information later on. Your success in acquiring this information will depend on how you ask for it, so make an investigation with care and do not raise suspicion. Also, while at an inn do not talk about your home province, and do not talk of yourself carelessly. Do not behave inappropriately or with arrogance, especially when acting as a kan-spy or a shinobi.

Tabi kokoro tsukurubeki shina no koto

POINTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN TRAVELLING

When travelling there are many issues that need to be fully considered. First, identify east and west with a compass, as it often happens that you will take the wrong direction in unfamiliar areas. Places that should be checked [in a house you are visiting] are: toilets, wells, the main reception rooms, entrances, the rear entrance and backings, inside and outside of the outer walls, outbuildings, the joints of tatami mats, the backs of hanging screens, the walls, rooms on the ground floor, the inner garden and so on. Make sure that your servants also keep these things in mind.

Aiyado kokoroeru beki koto

POINTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO CONCERNING GUESTS IN THE SAME LODGINGS

If there are others staying in the same lodgings, then enquire to the house master about them and find out whether they are merchants, farmers or samurai. If they are samurai, inform your servants that they should not do anything impolite. However, do not cause your servants to have fear of them by over-stressing this instruction. If the samurai wishes to be acquainted with you then all will depend on the situation, but it is generally undesirable to make a move towards introduction as you may be unaware of how people from other provinces think. If they happen to be short-tempered and cause an argument then you cannot leave a fray once you have been introduced.

Tabi ni yoku kokoroe no koto

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TAKING A BATH DURING TRAVELLING

When in a travelling lodge, you cannot avoid sharing a room with others, or thieves who would steal not only gold and silver but any property. For example, even in the short time it may take to have a cold wash, have your servant keep your clothes and possessions close by and have them hold your wakizashi in hand. Also, have them positioned where you can see them. Whether you have hired just one or two rooms or the entire lodgings, always strictly check anyone who enters or leaves. If you are travelling alone beware of the ruse called sashikomi, which is where a thief will place a stolen item in your property or clothes with the intention of making it appear that you are a thief instead.

Ryokō genin ni mōshiwatasu koto

POINTS TO TELL YOUR SERVANTS BEFORE TRAVELLING

Inform your servants to keep watches at night on a rotation of one toki⁹¹ or other set intervals. This should be made clear to them before departure because if they are not informed in full beforehand on matters like how to attend on you or points they need to keep in mind when lodging somewhere unsafe, or even sleeping arrangements, then it is difficult to instruct them once you have set off.

Daishō okiyō no koto

HOW TO POSITION LONG AND SHORT SWORDS

Your katana and wakizashi should be placed close to the wall or along the edge of your futon. If you are sleeping in a small area with many people – and this also applies when you are not travelling – sleep with the cords of your katana and wakizashi passed through each other and then hold the cords or alternatively pass the cords under where you sleep.⁹² In addition to this, when you are alone, tie up your travelling bag and other possessions with your grappling hook and rope and put the end of the rope under your body when you sleep.

Kaya kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT MOSQUITO NETS

If you are sleeping under a hanging mosquito net then place your katana and wakizashi with the scabbards slightly outside of the net and with the blades drawn two or three bu. Do this so that if the scabbards are pulled on, the blades will remain to hand. Also, this way is good if you need to raise the mosquito net for observation.

Jōba nimotsu kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT HORSES AND LUGGAGE

As mentioned above, instruct your servants to closely observe the status of the travelling lodge. In addition, if you are travelling with important items then inform the house master of this and if travelling alone it is advisable to leave the items with the owner of the lodge. If you are travelling on horseback then tell the groom to be careful and, as the master, you yourself should also pay extra attention to your horse and periodically check the horse yourself – this is one of the duties of a samurai. Order your servants to pay attention to the stable, feed and allow the horses to interact. Spears should not be left outside of the room you are staying in.

Hitoritabi kokoroe no koto

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE

As a samurai you may have to travel alone from time to time. Therefore, you should always remember these points. On such an occasion, unless you acquire someone as company and make your way together, then you cannot rent a room. However, if you have poor judgement on the company you take up with, you may end up travelling with a thief. If this is the case and if you converse well with them, then you can use our school’s shinobi no aikotoba⁹³ and they will help you to cross the area in peace, making them a better travelling companion than a normal person.

Hitoritabi yado kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT LODGINGS WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE

If you have not secured any lodging to stay at when travelling alone, then hire a road horseman or palanquin and have them secure lodgings for you. This will make your journey go more smoothly. Even if tiredness has not set in, it is better to travel by horse or palanquin. However, if you cannot use such methods and have trouble finding lodgings, then ask the head of a village⁹⁴ to allow you to stay for a single night. If you venture out to a castle town as a shinobi you cannot ask anyone for lodgings. In this case visit a merchant’s house and buy goods from them, even expensive ones, to gain favour with the house master. If you get close to them, they will offer you lodgings without your having to ask. Alternatively, buy food and sake and lavish the house master with it, or think of another way along these lines. If there are no lodgings then use a temple or a shrine.

Ryokō tabemono kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT FOOD WHEN TRAVELLING

Concerning the arrangements of your meals while travelling

When planning to visit a place where you are not aware of the lodging situation, it is advisable to arrange for lodgings and meals at the earliest possible point.

Concerning rest stops

Take rests in tea houses before you become tired – this is a measure of precaution. However, it is not advisable to rest for too long, as it is good to arrive early at your overnight stop. If you travel too long and arrive at an unknown destination during the night, be aware you will often encounter trouble.

Yoru tōzoku tsujigiri torisabaki no koto

DEALING WITH THIEVES AND ROADSIDE KILLERS AT NIGHT

When travelling long distances there are certain places where you may be attacked at night by roadside killers,⁹⁵ highwaymen⁹⁶ and the like. When in such a place, move silently and with care and do not become flustered. If someone approaches you to steal gold and silver, kill them immediately and leave it at that. If this occurs in a field then there will be no investigation. If there is more than one robber then simply kill one of them and the rest will flee – remember that the mind of a thief is the mind of a coward. Bravery is not found in those who care nothing about causing difficulty to others for personal gain. If you happen to be in a post-town then go to the head-man⁹⁷ and explain clearly why you killed the man and give them the name of the province and the place where you are from, but do not leave immediately. You only need to do this if people in the town observed the incident. If there is no one who can identify you, then just make the kill and leave, whether it is in a town or a field. If you do have to account to the head-man of the town then obtain proof that you made such a report.

Hiru tōzoku no koto

DAYTIME THIEVES

Be aware that if someone approaches you and offers to tell your fortune, tries to pick your pocket⁹⁸ or performs street gambling, then this is a thief. Normally they target only townspeople and if they recognize a samurai they leave him well alone. However, the situation may dictate that you have to travel in disguise. If such men follow you, then be patient with them – by giving them a small amount of money, you may then be able to pass. If they approach you in number in a field then just start killing them before they get a chance to initiate a unified attack. When the first one is killed the rest will flee, but make sure to leave as soon as possible.

Ryokō mochigusuri tokuyō no koto

THE BENEFITS OF CARRYING MEDICINE WHEN TRAvELLING

You should have a good understanding of medicine and carry it with you. Be aware of the properties of each medicine, depending on whether it is a hot or a cold substance. Essential medicines are those for food poisoning, horsebreathlessness and odour elimination, hunger pills and ‘good health’ medicine. Be fully aware that there are different ways for each.

Funabashi kokoroe no koto

POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT BOAT-BRIDGES

When crossing a river by way of a ship or bridge do not complain about the cost of the crossing. It is desirable to pay the fee and cross as soon as possible. Avoid spending time arguing about the toll. Tell your servants to stay close and to keep an eye on your weapons at the point of landing on the other side until all the common people have disembarked and then you yourself should disembark when all the lower people have left. Sometimes you may carry a spear; in this case, when you are disembarking, hold it yourself and when you are on the bank you can pass it back to your spear-carrying servant. The teachings concerning weapon sets are given in detail in the scroll Ippei Yōkō.⁹⁹

Boatmen and road-horsemen are often rude, but be patient with them. As with all lower people, you should avoid engaging with them. If you are taking a ferry and a boatman is so rude that it becomes intolerable, then take up the matter with him on the opposite bank once you have landed. If you reprimand him during the crossing then it will take longer than normal.

Watashibune kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT USING A FERRY

It is not recommended that you cross an unfamiliar river on foot, even if it looks shallow. If a ferry is available, then use that instead. If you do begin to cross on foot and find that the water is deep, then unless you are a superb swimmer, use ikki¹⁰⁰ – single movement – or make a mental note of the landscape and route before entering the river. The method for crossing a strong-flowing river is ‘bounding’ on tiptoes. Remember, if there is a ferry you should not walk across and if there are waders¹⁰¹ then it is desirable to hire them. If there are many people waiting to cross, then stand in line, get on board the litter quickly and disembark quietly. These are ancient ways and you should follow them.

Tokai kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT TRAVELLING AT SEA

When you are travelling at sea all you can do is depend on the crew and there is nothing to deal with yourself. Rely on the experience of the crew if a storm arises as no one but boatmen have this kind of knowledge. The names of sailing tools and the parts of ships are described in the scroll Suisen Yōhō.

Ritei enkin kanete shiru beki koto

KNOWING THE DISTANCE TO BE TRAVELLED

In order to increase their fare, palanquin carriers and horse guides tend to exaggerate the distance of travel. Therefore, read other people’s reports and travel records and acquire the correct information beforehand or take it from previous journeys. This advice applies to routes you do not take regularly, not those destined for Edo.

Amagu kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT WATERPROOF TOOLS

A circular cape is most desirable because of its benefits while fighting. The method of fabrication is given in the scroll Tōyu no Maki.

Hasen kokoroeru beki koto

POINTS ABOUT SINKING SHIPS

Whether a ferry or a seafaring vessel, ships sometimes capsize. If you panic and think only of escaping then you will often stumble and fall, lose your composure and will inevitably drown when the ship goes down. Therefore, keep calm and hold on to any wooden board or broken part of the ship; cases have shown that this will help you to survive. Be aware that even if the ship does not eventually sink, a flustered and ignorant mind may cause sudden death or seasickness. Also be aware that if a ship is wrecked in a storm and you die as a result, then it is simply your fate and the end of your luck. This information is for when you are in such dangerous situations, and in our school floating aids¹⁰² should be used.

Sekisho kokoroe no koto

POINTS ABOUT CHECKPOINTS

When encountering a checkpoint remember that this is a requirement of the laws of that province, and so pass through with polite behaviour and good manners. This is not done out of respect for the guards at the checkpoint but for their lord or their governor. The method for passing through new checkpoints established at times of war is mentioned in the scroll Heieki Yōhō, and the shinobi method of getting through the checkpoint or going over a gate is described in detail in our school’s writing Shinobi no Maki.

Δ Tradition says:

The following eleven¹⁰³ points are traditions for the above twenty-five points. Keep them in mind and know them for what they are. They are known as hiden – secret traditions – and relate to travelling, boats, horses and palanquins.

Tabi waranji¹⁰⁴

SOCKS AND STRAW SANDALS

Neither your tabi and waranjigake foot coverings should have full soles, or they should have some places where the soles are not fully stitched – this is so that you can easily remove gravel from your feet. ‘Strong straw sandals’¹⁰⁵ and ‘noiseless sandals’¹⁰⁶ are discussed in the scroll Heigu Yōhō.

Shoku yakiyō hayajiru

COOKING MEALS AND INSTANT SOUP

It is desirable to cook with equal amounts of water and rice. If you wish the rice to be harder, use less water; while to make it softer, simply add more. If you put rice into a waist container or normal container while still hot then it will not easily spoil. In order to ensure that the rice is still safe to eat, soak it in hot water¹⁰⁷ – this will also prevent thirst. For instant soup, mix pre-roasted miso with hot water.

Michi mayou toki

FOR TIMES WHEN YOU ARE LOST

It is advisable to let a horse go ahead of you; Minamoto no Yoshitsune used this method of following an old horse, as horses know their way very well. When walking in the snow and cold, take three seeds of pepper with hot water before you set off in the morning; this can also be done when it is hot. Furthermore, carry roasted soybeans in your kimono to keep you warm. If you become lost, study the grass along a river.

Hayamichi Taorezaru Ashi

METHODS FOR SUCCESS WHEN TRAVELLING AT SPEED

Pay attention to your feet to avoid damaging them. Also, set up horse relays for quick travel; this will need a correct estimation.

Daishō yarijirushi kokubyaku

POINTS ON LONG AND SHORT SWORDS AND BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS FOR SPEARS

Here the term daishō is used to refer to carrying your swords in hand when you approach a rocky and narrow path.¹⁰⁸ This is done to avoid the ends of the swords becoming stuck. Also, here kokugyaku – black and white – means black markings for daytime and white markings for nighttime. Markings on fire jackets and spears are used to prevent them from becoming lost.¹⁰⁹

Satsugainin arite katana aratameru toki

WHEN YOU HAVE KILLED SOMEONE AND HAVE TO PRESENT YOUR SWORD TO AN INVESTIGATOR

When you are required to draw and display your sword, do not pass it to the man. If asked to pass it over, only draw the sword yourself and show it, while keeping it in hand.

Shoku miso ichinichi hitori no tsumori

TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT OF RICE AND MISO REQUIRED PER PERSON PER DAY

The estimation for one day of rations is five gō of rice¹¹⁰ and thirty momme of miso – that is fifteen momme per meal. Also one sho of water is needed.

Tochū genin toganin to iu toki

FOR THE TIME WHEN TRAVELLING AND YOU ARE INFORMED THAT YOUR SERVANT IS A CRIMINAL

If you are informed that one of your servants has committed a crime, then let it be known you will investigate the matter at a lodging as you are their guarantor. Do not let anyone give explanations along the way. If the complainant carries on making accusations then tell him decisively that he is being extremely rude towards a samurai. If someone suggests that he will take the servant under his charge, you should decline and not leave the issue in his hands. Even though the suspect is in your service, if the crime he has committed was not done on your orders then it is no reflection upon you.

Onajiku nusubito to iikitaru toki

FOR THE TIME THAT YOU ARE APPROACHED WITH CLAIMS OF THIEVERY AGAINST YOUR SERVANTS

Unless such a claim comes from the authorities, do not accept it while travelling. If you do so then accusations that the servant of such and such is a thief may follow you. To start with, there is no way that a samurai will hand any of his servants over to other people and return without them. Therefore, if someone makes such a claim, tell him that you will address the matter on your return home. Be aware that a samurai should not make such an accusation about others.

Ryoshuku jō wo tanomazaru narai

TEACHINGS ABOUT NOT AGREEING TO REQUESTS TO CARRY LETTERS

If asked to carry a letter, have the person who requests this sign confirmation that he has entrusted the letter to you and to declare that he has not included any money within it. In no other circumstance should you agree to such a request while travelling alone. There are many cases where people falsely claim to have put gold and silver in the correspondence.

Nabe naku shoku yaki yo

COOKING WITHOUT A PAN

After soaking rice in water for a while, wrap it in a straw bundle, then bury it in the ground and make a fire upon the top – this will give you half-cooked rice. Do this when there is no other way. You cannot eat rice unless it has been cooked; therefore, this teaching may be of benefit.

The above twenty-five points were about travelling, lodges, routes, teachings about boat-bridges and palanquins, with the addition of eleven secret traditions. This adds up to thirty-six points in total.

The following points relate to walking at night, as well as the carrying of lanterns and candles. The ideogram for night, , is marked at the top. There are twenty-five points and nine points on traditions, which adds up to a total of thirty-four points.

89 zaifu – this is a period of time in which warlords were required to move their households to Edo, as part of the sankinkōtai system , which saw all of the lords of Japan move their affairs to the capital on a bi-annual rotation. This was done to deplete their funds and hinder any form of rebellion.

90 tsukabukuro – a cover that fits over the handle of a sword.

91A toki is one Japanese hour, which is approximately two standard hours.

92A samurai should have one sword on each side of the futon and should cross the sword cords over each other and hold them in hand. Alternatively, pass the sword cords around each other and then under the body.

93 – literally, ‘shinobi password’.

94The implication here is that there are no inns in the village or establishments that take in travellers.

95 tsujigiri – literally, ‘street killer’ or ‘street killing’.

96 oihagi – those who follow pedestrians to rob them.

97 nanushi – the leader of a village.

98 kinchakugiri – literally, ‘purse cutter’.

99In fact, information concerning tools and weapons is predominantly found in the scroll Heigu Yōhō.

100 – by context and compared to the skill used later, this is to perform an action with controlled speed.

101 kawagoshi – men who carry passengers across rivers upon their backs or on a litter.

102 ukigutsu – a form of life jacket.

103There is a transcription error at this point – some versions say twelve.

104This pronunciation is used in the manual and differs from the modern reading.

105 tsuyo-waranji.

106 tonashigutsu.

107i.e. to reheat and eat the rice with boiled water.

108Take off both the long and short swords from their place at the waist and carry them in hand. They are not drawn from their scabbards.

109e.g. so a samurai can identify his own equipment among others.

110The scroll Ippei Yōkō states six gō.